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Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What Families Need to Know

Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia: A Guide for Families

At All Heart Home Care, we understand that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia doesn’t just impact the person living with the disease—it touches everyone who loves and cares for them. This guide is designed for San Diego families. Whether you’re just starting to notice signs or deep into the caregiving journey, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and how you can best support your loved one.

What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms related to changes in memory, thinking, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases. While many people use the terms interchangeably, Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease that progresses over time.

In Alzheimer’s, nerve cells in the brain are damaged by two abnormal structures: plaques (clusters of a protein called beta-amyloid) and tangles (twisted strands of a protein called tau). These structures disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually cause them to die.

The Numbers Behind Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a growing public health crisis in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Facts and Figures report:

  • An estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia—about 1 in 9 people in this age group
  • Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women
  • Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older White Americans, and older Hispanics are about one and a half times as likely
  • About 200,000 Americans under age 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s
  • Health and long-term care costs are projected to reach $384 billion in 2025
  • Nearly 12 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provide an estimated 19 billion hours of care annually
  • This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060 without medical breakthroughs

Between 2000 and 2022, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease increased by more than 142%, while deaths from stroke and heart disease decreased.

Understanding the Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s

The human brain is made up of billions of neurons that form networks responsible for everything we do. Alzheimer’s starts in the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, which controls thought, memory, and language. Over time, neuronal death leads to brain shrinkage, impairing essential functions.

Key symptoms of this damage include:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty solving problems or making plans
  • Language struggles
  • Personality and behavioral changes
  • Loss of physical abilities in later stages

Who Is Most at Risk?

Some risk factors can’t be changed, while others are influenced by lifestyle:

Non-modifiable risk factors:

  • Age: Risk increases dramatically with age—5% of people ages 65-74, 13.2% of those 75-84, and 33.4% of those 85 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia
  • Family history and genetics: The APOE-e4 gene has the strongest impact on risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s
  • Ethnicity: Hispanic and Black populations are at higher risk
  • Sex: Women are more likely to be affected, partially due to longer life expectancy

Modifiable risk factors:

The 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention identified 14 modifiable risk factors that, if fully addressed, could prevent or delay nearly 45% of dementia cases worldwide. These factors vary by life stage:

• Early life (under 18): Low educational attainment

• Midlife (45-65): Hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, traumatic brain injury, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, hypertension, obesity

• Later life (65+): Smoking, social isolation, air pollution, untreated vision loss

The good news: Managing heart health—avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, staying active, and eating well—can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s progresses gradually and uniquely for each person, but it generally follows three main stages. In 2024, revised diagnostic criteria were published that incorporate advances in biomarker testing to provide objective data for staging disease progression.

Early Stage (Mild):

  • Subtle memory lapses
  • Difficulty finding words
  • Trouble remembering names or recent events
  • Losing items or getting lost in familiar places

Middle Stage (Moderate):

  • Increasing confusion
  • Needing help with daily activities (like choosing clothes or bathing)
  • Changes in sleep and mood
  • Greater risk of wandering
  • Personality changes, including suspicion or delusions

Late Stage (Severe):

  • Loss of awareness of surroundings
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Full-time assistance needed for personal care
  • Increased vulnerability to infections

Advances in Diagnosis

Traditionally, diagnosing Alzheimer’s required referrals to specialists and expensive PET brain scans or lumbar punctures. Now, breakthrough blood tests are making early diagnosis more accessible:

✓ First FDA-cleared blood test (May 2025) — The Lumipulse pTau217/Beta-Amyloid 42 Ratio test measures key biomarkers through a simple blood draw, matching PET scan results more than 90% of the time.

✓ Primary care blood test (October 2025) — The Elecsys pTau181 test became the first blood-based biomarker test cleared for use in primary care settings specifically to rule out Alzheimer’s-related amyloid pathology, with a 97.9% negative predictive value.

✓ What this means for patients — Blood tests are quicker and far cheaper than brain imaging, reducing wait times and cost barriers to diagnosis. According to the 2025 Facts and Figures report, nearly 4 in 5 Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s before symptoms interfered with their lives.

If you notice cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor about whether biomarker testing might be appropriate.

Treatment and Care Options

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, 2023-2024 brought historic advances with the first FDA-approved treatments that address the disease’s underlying biology—not just its symptoms.

Disease-Modifying Treatments (for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s):

Two anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapies have received full FDA approval for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer’s dementia with confirmed amyloid plaques:

• Lecanemab (Leqembi) — Received full FDA approval in July 2023. Given as an IV infusion every two weeks, it slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo in clinical trials. In January 2025, the FDA approved a less-frequent maintenance dosing option (every four weeks) and a weekly subcutaneous self-injection for at-home use following the initial treatment period.

• Donanemab (Kisunla) — Approved in July 2024. When administered monthly via IV infusion, clinical trials showed a 35% reduction in the risk of disease progression. Uniquely, treatment may be stopped once brain scans show amyloid plaques are sufficiently reduced.

Important considerations: These treatments are only approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s with biomarker-confirmed amyloid. Both carry a risk of ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities)—brain swelling or micro-bleeds detected through MRI monitoring—which is more common in people with the ApoE4 gene variant. Medicare covers medications after traditional FDA approval.

Symptom-Managing Medications:

For people at any stage of Alzheimer’s, these medications may help manage symptoms temporarily but do not stop disease progression:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors: Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne)
  • NMDA receptor antagonist: Memantine (Namenda)
  • Combination therapy: Donepezil + Memantine (Namzaric)

Non-Drug Approaches:

Non-medication strategies are powerful tools in caring for someone with dementia:

✓ Redirect instead of correct — Meet the person where they are, rather than arguing with their reality.

✓ Create a calm, familiar environment — Reduce confusion by maintaining consistent routines and surroundings.

✓ Look for sources of discomfort — Behavioral changes may signal pain, hunger, cold, or other unmet needs.

✓ Encourage meaningful activity and rest — Music, art, gardening, and gentle exercise can improve quality of life.

Reducing Your Risk

Research continues to demonstrate that healthy lifestyle interventions can help protect cognitive function. The Alzheimer’s Association U.S. POINTER trial—a two-year multidomain lifestyle intervention—showed improved cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Steps you can take to promote brain health:

✓ Stay physically active — Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce dementia risk.

✓ Protect your hearing and vision — Address hearing and vision loss early; the ACHIEVE trial found hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by 48% over three years in high-risk adults.

✓ Manage cardiovascular health — Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

✓ Stay socially connected — Maintain relationships and engage with your community.

✓ Keep learning — Challenge your brain with new activities and continued education.

✓ Limit alcohol and don’t smoke — Both are linked to increased dementia risk.

✓ Get quality sleep — Poor sleep is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline.

Advancing Research and Hope for the Future

Alzheimer’s research has shown that brain changes begin years—even decades—before symptoms appear. Scientists are working to detect these early changes and intervene sooner. The Alzheimer’s Association invested $112.2 million in research in 2025, the largest single-year investment in its history, bringing total active investments to more than $450 million across 1,200+ projects in 56 countries.

Clinical trials offer hope and opportunities for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families. You can learn more or search for studies through:

Support for Caregivers

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the most challenging roles a person can take on. In 2024, nearly 12 million caregivers provided more than 19 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $413 billion. More than half of caregivers rate their emotional stress as high or very high.

New Federal Support Through the GUIDE Model:

The CMS Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, which began in July 2024, provides Medicare coverage for comprehensive dementia care, including:

  • Care coordination and management through interdisciplinary teams
  • Care Navigators to help families access services and resources
  • Up to $2,500 annually for respite services per eligible patient
  • Caregiver education and training programs

Resources for Caregivers:

✓ 24/7 Helpline — The Alzheimer’s Association offers round-the-clock support staffed by master’s-level clinicians at 800-272-3900, available in over 200 languages.

✓ Support Groups — Local and virtual support groups connect you with others who understand.

✓ ALZConnected — A free online community for everyone affected by dementia.

✓ The Empowered Caregiver — A new evidence-based education program designed for middle- and late-stage caregivers to build skills and manage stress.

✓ My ALZ Journey App — A free mobile app launched in 2025 that provides tailored information and local support for people newly diagnosed and their care partners.

✓ Eldercare Locator — Call 800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find local services and support.

How All Heart Home Care Supports You

Our team is dedicated to walking alongside families in San Diego County with professional, heart-centered home care. We understand the nuances of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and tailor our support to meet each stage of the journey. From companionship and personal care to respite and advanced care needs, we are here.

Our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services include:

  • Personalized care plans that adapt as needs change
  • Assistance with daily activities, medication reminders, and nutrition
  • Engaging activities to maintain cognitive function and quality of life
  • Safety supervision and fall prevention
  • Respite care to give family caregivers a much-needed break
  • Compassionate companionship through every stage

You are not alone. We invite you to reach out and start a conversation. Together, we can bring peace, comfort, and dignity to every step of the Alzheimer’s journey.

Call us today at (619) 736-4677 to learn how we can support you and your loved one.

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About the author

Eric Barth, co-founder and CEO of All Heart Home Care San Diego

Eric Barth

CEO, All Heart Home Care

Eric Barth is the founder and CEO of All Heart Home Care™, an award-winning San Diego agency dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized in-home care for seniors. As the writer behind the All Heart Home Care blog, Eric shares insights and stories drawn from years of hands-on experience leading one of San Diego’s most trusted home care teams.

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Additional FAQ's on Digital Home Care System

Yes. HITRUST CSF Certified security—same gold standard hospitals use. More secure than paper.

Extremely rare (99.9% uptime), but caregivers can work in offline mode if connectivity is temporarily lost. Care continues without interruption. Documentation syncs automatically when connection returns.

Caregivers document throughout their shift in real-time. Notes are typically finalized and visible in Family Room within minutes of the caregiver clocking out.

We can set up Family Room accounts for as many family members as you want—local siblings, children in other states, anyone you authorize. Everyone sees the same information. No limit on number of accounts.

Yes. Family Room includes secure document storage. Upload medical records, insurance cards, POLST forms, medication lists, doctor’s instructions, photos—anything important. All authorized family members can access these documents. No more searching for forms.

We update the digital care plan immediately, and all caregivers receive instant notification of changes. This is one of the biggest advantages over paper—updates reach everyone simultaneously, not gradually over days or weeks.

Absolutely. Family Room is a tool for families who want it, not a replacement for human connection. We’re always reachable by phone at (619) 736-4677. Many families use both—portal for quick updates, phone calls for detailed conversations.

We train every caregiver on the WellSky mobile app before their first shift. The app is intuitive—designed specifically for caregivers, not engineers. If someone can text and use GPS navigation, they can use our caregiver app. And we provide ongoing support.

Yes. The Family Room care calendar shows upcoming shifts with caregiver names and times. You’ll know exactly who’s coming and when. No more surprise caregiver switches.

Use the two-way messaging feature in Family Room. Send your message, and the caregiver receives an instant notification on their mobile app. They’ll see it and can respond or confirm receipt immediately.

Yes. All notes are searchable. Want to see every mention of “appetite” from the past month? Type it in the search bar and find all relevant notes instantly. No more flipping through pages of handwritten entries.

You can access the complete care history from the day Family Room access began. Review notes from last week, last month, or since care started. Historical data helps identify patterns over time.

Family members cannot delete caregiver documentation—that’s protected and maintained by All Heart for record-keeping purposes. You can delete your own uploaded documents, but we can often recover those if needed within a certain timeframe.

With your authorization, we can provide limited Family Room access to healthcare providers. This allows better coordination between home care and medical teams. You control exactly who has access and what they can see.

Family Room works both ways. You can access it through any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) on your computer, or download the mobile app for easier access on your phone or tablet. Your choice.

All authorized Family Room users see the same care information—we can’t create different access levels for different family members. However, you (as the primary contact) control who gets Family Room access in the first place. If family dynamics are challenging, you decide who receives login credentials.

The messaging system shows when messages are delivered and read. You’ll see confirmation that the caregiver received and opened your message. For critical information, you can also call our office to ensure the message was received.

Yes. You can print individual shift notes, date ranges, or specific types of documentation (like Change of Condition reports) directly from Family Room. Useful for doctor appointments or insurance purposes.

If your loved one transitions to hospice, hospital, or another care setting, we can maintain your Family Room access for a transition period so you have complete records. After care ends, we provide a final data export if requested, then access is closed according to your wishes and legal requirements.

Yes. Family Room is accessible from anywhere with internet connection. If you’re traveling abroad, you can still check on your loved one’s care. The system works globally.

Family Room doesn’t support selective information sharing—all authorized users see the same care documentation. For private family communications, you’d need to use personal email, phone, or text outside the Family Room system.

Change of Condition reports automatically alert you when caregivers document significant health changes. For custom alerts (like specific behaviors or situations), talk to our office—we may be able to add special flags to your loved one’s care plan that trigger notifications.

We typically set up Family Room access during your initial care planning meeting, before the first caregiver shift. You’ll have login credentials and a brief tutorial on how to use the portal. Most families are viewing their first shift notes within 24 hours of care beginning.

Complete Security & Privacy Information

HITRUST CSF Certification - What This Means

HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) is the most rigorous security certification in healthcare. It's harder to achieve than HIPAA compliance alone. This certification requires:

  • Annual independent security audits by certified assessors
  • Continuous monitoring of security controls
  • Documented policies and procedures for data protection
  • Employee security training and background checks
  • Incident response and disaster recovery plans
  • Regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities

Why it matters: If it’s secure enough for hospital patient records, it’s secure enough for your loved one’s care information.

Bank-Level Encryption Explained

Data in Storage (At Rest):

  • All information stored on WellSky servers is encrypted using AES-256 encryption
  • This is the same encryption standard used by banks and the U.S. military
  • Even if someone physically accessed the servers, they couldn't read the data without encryption keys

Data in Transmission (In Transit):

  • When you access Family Room from your phone or computer, all data traveling between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS 1.2 or higher
  • This is the same technology that protects your online banking
  • The "lock" icon in your browser address bar confirms this encryption

What this means: Even if someone intercepted the data (extremely unlikely), they would only see scrambled, unreadable information.

Strict Access Controls

Who Can See What

Family Member Access:

  • You decide exactly which family members get Family Room login credentials
  • Each person has their own unique username and password
  • You can add or remove access at any time
  • Family members can only view information for your loved one—no one else's

Caregiver Access:

  • Caregivers only see care plans for clients they're actively assigned to
  • When a caregiver is no longer working with your loved one, their access to that care plan is immediately revoked
  • Caregivers cannot access billing information or family contact details

Staff Access:

  • All Heart staff access is role-based and monitored
  • Office staff see only the information necessary for their job function
  • Nursing supervisors have broader access for quality oversight
  • All access is logged with timestamps

Audit Trail:

  • Every action is logged: who accessed what information, when, and from where
  • These logs are regularly reviewed for any suspicious activity
  • Logs are maintained for compliance and security purposes

HIPAA Compliance - Federal Protection

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes federal standards for protecting health information. Our compliance includes:

Privacy Rule Compliance:

  • Your loved one's health information is never shared without authorization
  • You control who has access to information
  • Clear privacy policies explain how information is used

Security Rule Compliance:

  • Administrative safeguards (policies, training, access management)
  • Physical safeguards (secure facilities, workstation security)
  • Technical safeguards (encryption, authentication, audit controls)

Breach Notification:

  • In the extremely unlikely event of a data breach, affected individuals are notified promptly as required by law
  • We maintain insurance and procedures for breach response

Business Associate Agreements:

  • WellSky (our technology provider) has signed formal agreements guaranteeing HIPAA compliance
  • All vendors with potential access to data must meet the same standards

Continuous Backup & Disaster Recovery

Automated Backups:

  • Data is backed up automatically multiple times per day
  • Backups are encrypted and stored in geographically separate secure data centers
  • This protects against hardware failure, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events

Redundancy:

  • Data is stored across multiple servers simultaneously
  • If one server fails, others immediately take over
  • No single point of failure in the system

Disaster Recovery Plan:

  • Formal, tested procedures for recovering from any disaster scenario
  • Regular drills ensure the recovery plan actually works
  • Recovery Time Objective (RTO): System restored within hours, not days
  • Recovery Point Objective (RPO): Minimal data loss (minutes, not hours)

What this guarantees: Your loved one’s care information is never truly lost. Even if an entire data center were destroyed, complete backups exist elsewhere.

99.9% Uptime Guarantee

What “99.9% uptime” means:

  • The system is available and functional 99.9% of the time
  • That translates to less than 9 hours of downtime per year
  • Most families never experience a single outage

Monitoring:

  • System performance monitored 24/7/365
  • Automated alerts notify technical teams of any issues immediately
  • Problems are often resolved before users even notice them

If the system goes down:

  • Caregivers can work in offline mode on their mobile devices
  • Care continues without interruption
  • Documentation is saved locally and syncs automatically when connection returns
  • Your loved one's care never depends on perfect internet connectivity

Multi-Factor Authentication (Optional)

For families who want extra security, we can enable multi-factor authentication (MFA):

  • Requires both password AND a code sent to your phone
  • Even if someone stole your password, they couldn't access your account without your phone
  • Optional but recommended for families with high security concerns

Mobile Device Security

Caregiver Phones:

  • WellSky mobile app requires login credentials
  • Apps lock automatically after inactivity
  • No data is stored permanently on caregiver phones—it's accessed from secure servers
  • If a phone is lost or stolen, we can remotely disable access immediately

Your Devices:

  • Family Room is accessed through secure web browsers or mobile apps
  • You can log out from any device at any time
  • Session timeouts prevent unauthorized access if you forget to log out

Security Incident Response

In the extremely unlikely event of a security concern:

  • Detection: Automated systems and staff monitoring detect potential issues immediately
  • Response: Security team investigates and responds within minutes
  • Containment: Affected systems isolated to prevent spread
  • Resolution: Issue resolved and systems secured
  • Notification: Affected users notified as required by law
  • Review: Incident analyzed to prevent future occurrences

Digital vs. Paper Security Comparison

Security Concern
Paper Binders
WellSky_Color

Who can read it?

Anyone who enters the home

Only authorized users

Can it be lost?

✔︎ — permanently

✕ — backed up continuously

Can it be damaged?

✔︎ — spills, fires, floods

✕ — stored digitally

Is access tracked?

✕

✔︎ Access logged & audited

Encryption protection?

✕

✔︎ — bank-level encryption

Updates reach everyone?

✕ — printing/distribution delays

✔︎ — instant notification

Survives disasters?

✕

✔︎ — redundant backups

HIPAA compliant?

✕ — difficult to prove

✔︎ — certified & audited

Can be accidentally discarded?

✔︎

✕ — requires a password

Verdict: Digital is significantly more secure than paper in every measurable way.

Common Security Questions

"What if I forget my password?"

Secure password reset process via email or phone verification. We verify your identity before resetting access.

"Can hackers access the system?"

Multiple layers of security make unauthorized access extremely difficult. Regular penetration testing simulates attacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.

"What if my phone is stolen?"

Change your password immediately from any other device. The thief would still need your password to access Family Room.

"Can All Heart staff see my credit card information?"

No. Payment processing is handled by a separate, PCI-compliant payment processor. We never see or store your full credit card number.

"What happens to the data if I stop using All Heart?"

Your data is retained according to legal requirements (typically 7 years for healthcare records), then securely deleted. You can request a copy of your data at any time.

This isn’t just secure—it’s among the most secure systems available in healthcare.

Your information is safer in our digital system than it ever was in a paper binder sitting on a kitchen counter.

Complete Care Plan Contents:

Care Goals & Priorities

  • What matters most to your family (safety, remaining at home, socialization, quality of life)
  • Family's priorities for daily care
  • Long-term care objectives

Emergency Contact Information

  • Primary and secondary emergency contacts
  • Preferred contact methods (call, text, email)
  • Contact priority order

Medical Conditions & Health History

  • Chronic conditions (dementia, Parkinson's, diabetes, heart conditions, etc.)
  • Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
  • Functional limitations (hearing, vision, mobility, speech)
  • Allergies and medication sensitivities
  • DNR status and advance directives

Mental Health & Cognitive Status

  • Dementia staging (if applicable): none, forgetful, mild, moderate, severe
  • Specific symptoms and behavioral patterns
  • Triggers that cause agitation or confusion
  • Calming strategies that work
  • Best times of day for activities
  • Communication preferences and techniques

Medications & Supplements

  • Complete medication list with dosages
  • Administration times and frequency
  • Medication reminder schedules
  • Who manages medications in the household
  • Special instructions (with food, before bed, etc.)

Mobility & Transfers

  • Mobility equipment used (walker, wheelchair, cane, gait belt)
  • Fall risk assessment
  • Transfer assistance needs
  • Use of dominant arm/hand (left or right)
  • Weight-bearing limitations

Personal Care Routines

  • Bathing preferences and frequency (shower, bath, sponge bath)
  • Grooming and hygiene assistance levels
  • Dressing assistance needs (independent, light assist, total assist)
  • Dental care and denture management
  • Skin care requirements

Meal Preparation & Dietary Needs

  • Favorite foods and meal preferences
  • Food allergies and restrictions
  • Special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, pureed, etc.)
  • Meal times (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
  • Appetite patterns and hydration goals
  • Swallowing difficulties or feeding assistance

Daily Routines & Schedules

  • Morning routine (wake time, preferences)
  • Afternoon activities and needs
  • Evening routine (dinner time, bedtime)
  • Sleep patterns and nighttime assistance
  • Napping schedule

Activities & Engagement

  • Favorite hobbies and interests
  • Activities at home (reading, games, music, crafts)
  • Activities away from home (parks, outings, restaurants)
  • Social preferences and visitor information
  • Brain health and cognitive activities

Home Environment Details

  • Gate codes and access instructions
  • Lockbox location and code
  • Parking information for caregivers
  • Pet care instructions (feeding, walking, behavior notes)
  • Safety equipment locations (grab bars, shower bench, raised toilet seat, bed rails)
  • Camera locations (if applicable - California law requires disclosure)

Transportation & Driving

  • Does client drive?
  • Caregiver transportation needs (errands, appointments)
  • Vehicle information (client's car vs. caregiver's car)
  • Parking permit requirements

Additional Important Information

  • Cultural or religious considerations
  • Language preferences
  • Communication style preferences
  • Special instructions or family notes

This comprehensive information ensures every caregiver provides consistent, personalized care from day one.

Tracking health changes that matter.

The Change of Condition form documents significant shifts in your loved one’s health—new symptoms, changes in mobility, behavioral differences, or improvements in their condition. This isn’t about minor day-to-day variations; it’s about meaningful changes that physicians, families, and caregivers need to know about.

Why have a separate form for this?

Instead of searching through weeks of caregiver narratives to find when symptoms started or conditions changed, this form puts all significant health changes in one easy-to-reference place. When doctors ask “when did the difficulty walking begin?” or family members want to understand the progression of a condition, you’ll have clear, dated documentation right at your fingertips.

What gets documented:

Each entry includes:

  • Date the change was observed
  • Description of the change in condition (symptoms, behaviors, mobility changes, cognitive shifts, or improvements)
  • Caregiver instructions based on the change (new monitoring requirements, adjusted assistance levels, safety precautions, or care plan modifications)
  • Authorization source (Client, Family, Doctor, or Agency)
  • Expiration date for temporary instructions (or marked as "Indefinitely" for ongoing changes)
  • Caregiver acknowledgments confirming they've read and understood the new instructions

Why this form matters:

Early detection changes outcomes. When caregivers notice something different—increased confusion, difficulty walking, loss of appetite, or even positive improvements like better mobility—documenting it immediately allows for faster responses.

Your family stays informed about meaningful health changes. Physicians receive accurate updates during appointments instead of relying on memory. Incoming caregivers know exactly what’s changed and what new precautions or assistance your loved one needs.

One form. Complete health timeline. Better care.

Whether tracking a temporary change after a fall or documenting the progression of a chronic condition, the Change of Condition form creates a clear health timeline. This helps everyone—doctors, family members, and our San Diego caregiver team—understand how your loved one’s needs are evolving and respond appropriately.

Proactive monitoring isn’t just good practice. It’s essential senior care.

How the Caregiver Narrative works.

Each caregiver documents their shift using a simple timeline format that captures the essential details of your loved one’s day. This structured approach ensures consistency across all caregivers and makes information easy to find.

What we document in every narrative:

  • Daily health observations and changes in condition
  • Meals, snacks, and hydration intake
  • Mobility assistance and transfer support
  • Activities completed, mood, and engagement levels
  • Social interaction, conversation topics, and preferences
  • Safety concerns or environmental changes noticed
  • Medication reminders provided (when applicable)
  • General well-being updates and family notes

Narrative Format:

Each entry follows this structure:

  • Start Date | Start Time | Caregiver Name
  • Timeline Narrative (chronological notes throughout the shift documenting activities, meals, observations, assistance provided, and any notable moments)
  • End Date | End Time | Caregiver Name

Why this format works:

This timeline approach provides clear, chronological documentation that’s easy for incoming caregivers to read and understand. Instead of wondering what happened during the previous shift, they can see exactly what your loved one ate, how they felt, what activities they enjoyed, and any health changes observed.

One record. Every shift. Complete continuity.

Whether care is short-term, long-term, or evolving, the Caregiver Narrative ensures nothing gets missed and nothing gets repeated. Your family can review the journal at any time during visits, or we can share photos of recent narratives with long-distance family members who want to stay connected and informed.

Complete transparency and peace of mind, right when you need it.

Your loved one's complete care roadmap, now available digitally.

The All Heart Customized Care Plan is completed during your initial assessment and tailored to your loved one’s specific needs, preferences, mobility level, and safety requirements.

Now fully digital and accessible on every caregiver’s phone.

We’ve gone paperless. Your care plan is accessible through our digital platform—caregivers reference it anytime, anywhere. Updates happen in real-time, so when something changes, every caregiver sees it immediately.

What's included:

Care goals, emergency contacts, medical conditions, mental health & cognitive status, medications & supplements, mobility & transfers, personal care routines, meal prep & dietary needs, daily routines, activities & engagement, and home environment details.

One plan. Every caregiver. Consistent care.

This digital approach ensures every San Diego caregiver has the same accurate, up-to-date information from day one—promoting safety, continuity, and person-centered care.

See how we organize care information. This form becomes your loved one’s digital care roadmap.